Ukraine, FBI uncover Russian hacks of officials' messaging accounts

Ukraine's Security Service (SBU), working in cooperation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), has uncovered what it describes as a coordinated campaign by Russian intelligence services to compromise the messaging accounts of officials and public figures in Ukraine, Europe, and the United States.

According to a statement released by the SBU, cybersecurity specialists identified systematic cyberattacks targeting the accounts of government officials, military personnel, politicians, and activists across multiple countries.

The agency said the primary objective of the attacks is to gain access to sensitive military, political, and economic information exchanged through messaging platforms, as well as to steal users' personal data.

The SBU reported that Russian hackers employ a range of tools and tactics to carry out the operations. One of the most frequently used methods involves sending text messages that appear to originate from official support services in an effort to obtain account passwords.

According to the agency, such messages are often disguised as communications from legitimate bots or technical support systems. The messages are typically sent during the early morning hours, when users may be more susceptible to manipulation due to their physical and emotional condition.

The SBU also warned that Russian intelligence services and affiliated hacking groups are not limiting their efforts to government institutions, officials, or public figures.

The agency emphasized that personal accounts belonging to ordinary Ukrainian citizens are also being targeted as part of the broader cyber campaign.

By Vafa Guliyeva